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by ann baGEL STOrck , manaGinG EdiTOr
The PoinTe ResTauRanT aT Wickaninnish inn in Tofino , canada , offeRs a 270-degRee vieW of The Pacific ocean , local foResTed islands and chesTeRman Beach .
Great hotel dining is not about luxe ingredients and exclusive settings anymore — at least not on their own . As in recent years , the 2014 Great Hotel Restaurants emphasize the bounty of their local areas — often in both food and design . Another interesting trend this year , which also is reflected in the broader culinary landscape , is a move toward less formal dining and a greater focus on providing a feeling of comfort and welcome . The honorees prove memorable restaurant experiences need not be prohibitively expensive , as several boast average dinner checks less than US $ 100 .
Perhaps most important , today ’ s
Great Hotel Restaurants take the spotlight off the “ hotel ” part of the equation . “ A great hotel restaurant should be designed and run with a restaurateur approach and seen by guests as a restaurant that happens to be physically linked to a hotel ,” explains Stephane Bellon , vice president , corporate F & B , Kempinski Hotels , Geneva , and one of this year ’ s judges .
“ A great hotel restaurant complements the design , lifestyle and ultimate DNA of the hotel yet maintains an element of independence ,” adds Rory Bevins , senior vice president at La Bottega USA and another judge this year .
It ’ s a tall order — one primed to get taller as time goes on — but this year ’ s Great Hotel Restaurants appear up to the challenge of providing guests with a complete package . “ Great food and great service is not enough ,” confirms Guy Rigby , vice president , food and beverage , Americas , Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts , Toronto , and another judge . “ Today ’ s customer also wants great ambience , great design and a feeling of approachability and comfort . Most of all , a restaurant has to be memorable .”
HOTELS and sponsor Villeroy & Boch are proud to continue an annual tradition of honoring these Great Hotel Restaurants .
22 HOTELS September 2014 www . hotelsmag . com